Lesson 5 - Roman Warrior Yoga Poses
Imaginative Mindfulness in Yoga
•Year 1
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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- Complete activity instructions & timing
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How can we use our bodies to tell stories from ancient Rome?
Learning Objectives
- Perform yoga poses that represent Roman themes and characters
- Demonstrate improved balance and body control through warrior and tree poses
- Show understanding of Roman history through movement and storytelling
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully hold Roman-themed yoga poses for 10-15 seconds
- Students will demonstrate safe practice during yoga movements
- Students will connect physical movements to historical learning about Romans
Equipment & Resources Required
Spread evenly around space with room for movement
Alternative: Carpet squares, blankets
Ready for relaxation time reading
Alternative: Printed story, tablet with story
Mix of achievement and attainment rewards prepared
Alternative: Stamps, certificates, verbal praise
Key Vocabulary
A strong standing yoga pose with wide legs and arms extended
A balancing pose standing on one leg with arms like branches
Lying on back with bottom lifted up like a bridge arch
A resting pose kneeling with forehead touching the floor
Ancient people who built a great empire with roads, bridges and armies
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic standing and sitting positions
- Simple breathing techniques
- Following movement instructions
Current Skills
- Roman-themed pose sequences
- Warrior pose variations
- Historical movement storytelling
Next Steps
- More complex balancing poses
- Partner yoga poses
- Creating own historical yoga sequences
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety first - only stretch and balance as far as comfortable
- Romans were strong and controlled - move with purpose and patience
- Breathing helps with balance and calmness - use it throughout poses
- Every pose can be modified - there's no perfect way, only your way
- Historical connections make movement meaningful and memorable
- Relaxation is as important as active poses for complete practice
- Individual creativity in poses builds confidence and ownership
Common Misconceptions
- Poses must be held for long periods - start with short holds and build gradually
- Everyone should look the same in poses - individual body differences are normal
- Yoga is only stretching - it also builds strength, balance and focus
- Romans were only about fighting - they also built, created and rested
- Perfect pose form is required - effort and safety matter more than perfection
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short pose holds initially, movement breaks between poses, clear, simple instructions
dyspraxia
- Extra demonstration time, step-by-step pose breakdown, partner support for balance
autism spectrum
- Predictable routine structure, quiet relaxation space available, visual yoga pose cards
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance for alignment, consistent mat positions
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, partner buddy system
physical disability
- Chair-based pose modifications, wall support options, individualized pose variations
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Body systems during exercise, balance and stability, breathing and relaxation
Art
Roman art and sculpture poses, creative expression through movement
Geography
Ancient Rome location, Roman expansion across Europe, Roman building features
History
Roman Empire, Roman inventions, soldier life, Roman roads and architecture
PSHE
Confidence building, emotional regulation, respecting others, personal limits
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around space to observe all students, particularly during balance poses
Observation Focus
Watch for safe alignment, individual effort, and historical theme engagement
Intervention Points
Step in when poses appear unsafe or students need alignment support
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate poses slowly with clear alignment points, show modifications for different abilities
Verbal Cues
- •'Strong like Roman warriors!'
- •'Breathe slowly and deeply!'
- •'Only go as far as feels good!'
- •'Romans were patient and controlled!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 8m x 12m indoor space with non-slip surface
Surface Check
Ensure clean, non-slip floor suitable for bare feet or socks
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check yoga mats are clean and non-slip
- •Ensure adequate spacing between mats
- •Storybook in good condition with no sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Neck strain in bridge pose
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Overexertion in poses
Risk Mitigation
- •Walls available for balance support
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Clear instructions for safe pose entry and exit
- •Emphasis on individual limits and comfort
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students during balance poses
- •Monitor neck alignment in bridge poses
- •Check for students forcing poses beyond comfort
- •Watch for safe transitions between positions
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed